She tried not to feel bitter or resentful. After all, they hadn’t been dating a super long time. It wasn’t his responsibility to propose if he didn’t feel it was the right thing to do. Maybe she would end up being one of those single women who adopted, not that there was anything wrong with doing that. It just wasn’t her vision. She saw herself with a husband who loved her and a house with a white picket fence. It was so traditional and so unlike Janine.

Just before the turn to the cottage, she looked up ahead and saw the lighthouse. For once, it was lit up and it stood out in a beautiful way against the sky. It was getting close to sunset, and she wondered how Emma was doing since tomorrow was opening day for tours.

Deciding that she wasn’t quite ready to be alone for the evening, she continued walking straight until she came to the lighthouse. She saw Emma coming down the stairs and walking out of the lighthouse. She imagined that she was probably frantic trying to get everything ready for the big opening.

“How’s it going?” Janine called to her. Emma, obviously startled, stopped in her tracks, her hand over her heart. “Oh, gosh, I’m so sorry if I scared you.”

She paused for a moment before she finally seemed to relax. “It’s okay. I’m just still kind of getting used to my surroundings.”

Janine thought about that one memory that she wanted to forget more than anything when she got attacked several years ago. It made her wonder if Emma was feeling something similar, being a woman basically alone on an island.

“I know it must be difficult being out here by yourself. My niece lives with me, so at least I’m not alone. The island is completely safe, of course, but it can still make you worry a little bit when you’re a woman alone and new in town.”

Emma walked closer. “I’m pretty confident in my ability to take care of myself,” she said. There was something behind her words, but Janine couldn’t put her finger on what it was. She seemed both scared and tough at the same time.

“So, the big opening is tomorrow?”

Emma nodded. “Yes, it is. I’m not nearly as nervous as I thought I would be, although I am a bit concerned that I might forget some of the script that Roger gave me to say on tours. I’ve never met someone who knew so much about the history of an area.”

Janine smiled. “I’ve met him before. His wife comes to some of my yoga classes from time to time. And you’re right, he’s very serious about his historical facts. I recall one time getting cornered by him after class while he explained to me little known facts about the Civil War and what happened in this area. Interesting, but a wee bit exhausting when you’ve been teaching yoga for several hours.”

Emma laughed. That was the first time she’d seen her really loosen up since they met her. “I can totally see him doing that. But, he seems like a nice guy. I haven’t quite pegged Henrietta yet.”